Well into my 30s, I fancied myself (hah!) immortal. I assured myself that the knives in my mental drawer would eternally sharpen themselves with constant use and that, given regular maintenance, my well-oiled machine of a body would remain toned and vital.
Two years ago, I began emitting otherworldly sounds when rising from a prone position. Words and phrases started vaporizing before I could paste them to paper. With the passing of my biological mother two weeks ago, I understood with stark clarity that I’m “next” in my genetic mortality line.
In a previous blog I mused that it was never too late in one’s life to become a pet parent. My revised answer — from a chronological age standpoint — is: yes and no. This answer may not satisfy anyone seeking a discreet age boundary. That’s because there are many factors to consider:
Physical health is probably more important that age. Pets can be absolute love bugs, but they are work — physical and emotional work. As responsible pet parents, we must be up to the task. Training, walks and play — especially for dogs — can tax our cardio-pulmonary systems as well as our patience. If a trip from the living room couch to the kitchen and back leaves you gasping for breath, you may want to resist adopting a spunky sporting or herding dog. Researching the kind/breed of pet best suited for your physical constitution will save you both unnecessary heartache.
Mental health and cognitive function are more important than age. If you’re a bit “off," like some of us, having a pet can be as (or more) powerful a source of equilibrium than psychotropic drugs. A few people unfortunately experience more severe and incapacitating psychological and cognitive decline with advanced age. Impaired judgement and problem solving and marked lapses in memory or attention can be disastrous for both pet and parent. Pet therapy sessions or controlled visits with other people’s pets may provide just enough soothing mental stimulation without the added burden of responsibility.
Still, advanced age is an undeniable factor. Even if you reach your early-mid 90s and are in peak health, there’s an excellent chance that a four-legged pet you adopt at this age will outlive you. Some species of birds can live 50-60 years. The bond pets form with their human parents is well documented as are the benefits of pets on human health. But the last thing we want is for pets to suffer our permanent absence when they are in the prime of their lives. At the very least, we should make provisions for their care in the event of our passing — including thoughtful vetting and selection of his and/or her “godparents.”
Advanced age does NOT preclude involvement with animal companions. After weighing the above factors in the context of our individual lives, we may decide that it would not be responsible to adopt another pet. But that doesn’t mean we couldn’t love animal companions again. Shelters and rescues the world over need volunteers of all ages to walk, feed and play with pets in their care. You could become involved with an animal advocacy group or lobby local representatives for more stringent laws against abuse and neglect or for increased community access for people with pets. Some of the most generous hearts I’ve ever known have temporarily fostered pets until their forever homes could be found.
I dread the day when I know it would not be responsible for me to adopt another pet. Yet, I know the day will come when my desire to parent a pet will exceed my ability to adequately care for them. At exactly what age that will be, I don’t know.
When that time comes, I pray that I will be honest enough to walk my talk — and pass the adoption torch to one whose able mind and body are equal to their heart.